Content

• Steps
• Method 1 of 5: Determining cardinal points using the sun
• Method 2 of 5: Determining the cardinal points with a sundial
• Method 3 of 5: Determining the cardinal points using a wristwatch with arrows
• Method 4 of 5: Determining cardinal points with a compass
• Method 5 of 5: Using modern technology
• Tips
• Warnings

Qibla - direction towards the sacred Kaaba in Mecca (Saudi Arabia). The direction to the Kaaba is a prerequisite for performing namaz, and therefore knowing how to determine it is very important for Muslims. Here are some ways to navigate and identify qibla in unfamiliar terrain.

Steps

1. 1 Determine which side of the country is Mecca. It is a common misconception that Muslims always pray to the east. In fact, this is only true if you are located west of Mecca. The direction to Mecca differs from country to country: for example, in the US the qibla will be to the northeast, in Japan to the west-northwest, and in South Africa to the northeast.

Method 1 of 5: Determining cardinal points using the sun

1. 1 Determine the cardinal points with the sun.For thousands of years, sailors have resorted to this method to determine the cardinal points. To do this, it is enough to know in which direction the sun sets and rises.

Method 2 of 5: Determining the cardinal points with a sundial

1. 1 Make a sundial. To do this, find a flat surface and stick a straight stick about a meter long into the ground before noon.
2. 2On the ground, mark the end of the shadow.
3. 3Measure the length of the shadow and draw a circle around the stick whose radius will be equal to the length of the shadow.
4. 4 As the sun moves, the length of the shadow will shorten, and its end will be inside the circle. Later, the shadow will begin to lengthen again and at some point will touch the circle again. Make a mark here and connect it with a line to your first mark.
   • The resulting line will indicate the west-east direction: the first mark is west, the second is east.
5. 5 Draw a line perpendicular to the west-east line. It will indicate the north-south direction.

Method 3 of 5: Determining the cardinal points using a wristwatch with arrows

1. 1 Use a wristwatch. Any watch with hour and minute hands will work for you.
   • In the northern hemisphere... Hold your watch horizontally and point the hour hand toward the sun.
   • Halve the angle between the hour hand and the number 12 on the dial. This direction will be south. Knowing where the south is, you can easily identify the rest of the cardinal points.
   • In the southern hemisphere... Hold your watch horizontally and point the 12 mark towards the sun.
   • Halve the angle between the hour hand and the number 12 on the dial. There will be north in this direction.

Method 4 of 5: Determining cardinal points with a compass

1. 1 Take advantage of compass. This correct and proven method will not indicate the actual qiblah, however, if you know which side you are from Mecca, it will indicate the cardinal points much more accurately than a stick stuck in the ground. You can also use a special compass that shows the direction of Mecca.
   • Take a compass.
   • Find out which way Mecca is.
     1. Keep the compass horizontal until the arrow stops. Turn towards Mecca. Ready.

Method 5 of 5: Using modern technology

1. 1 Use modern technology.
   • There are many mobile applications that use GPS and the built-in compass to easily point you in the right direction, wherever you are on the planet.
   • There are special sites that accurately determine the direction to Mecca.

Tips

• The exact geographical coordinates of the Kaaba are 21 ° 25′21.15 ″ N N 39 ° 49'34.1 ″ e.
• If you are going on a trip, find out in advance in which direction Mecca is from your destination, and then use one of the methods we have suggested.
• If you have a smartphone or tablet, there are many free apps that can help you identify qiblah no matter where you are.
• There are also prayer rugs with a compass to identify the qibla.
• You can use the Internet service QiblaFinder to determine the qibla.
• The direction of the qibla can be found at the local mosque. You can also just look around the mosque: it will be oriented towards the qiblah, or signs will be drawn on the ground next to it.
• If a Muslim is not sure where the qiblah is, he should try to assess it with all the accuracy available. If some of the methods seem too complicated for you, you should use a compass, for example, in your mobile phone or car. However, if you do not have a compass, use other methods of determining the cardinal points.

Warnings

• The location of the sunrise and sunset differs depending on the time of year and where you are on the globe. In addition, the closer you are to the equator, the less accurate you can determine the cardinal points using the sun.